International Production & Processing Expo Celebrates Record Growth

February 5, 2013

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IPPE Expo 2013

International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) drew a record 1190 exhibitors to Atlanta for its January 29-31 event at the Georgia World Congress Center. The 2013 meeting marked U.S. Poultry and Egg Association’s 65th year meeting in Atlanta, but also served as the inaugural year for a partnership with the American Meat Institute’s International Meat Expo. The joint venture, combined with a long-standing colocation with the American Feed Industry Association’s International Feed Expo, yielded 50 percent growth of the show floor, covering more than 430,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Along with the increase in exhibit space, the annual expo brought more than 25,000 attendees, 20 percent of which were international delegates.

“That IPPE continues to grow and thrive after 65 years in Atlanta is a testament to our city’s hospitality industry and the pride we take in making our guests feel welcome,” said William Pate, President & CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We have a collaborative hospitality community, from our hotels and restaurants to our convention center, that work hand in hand to make sure each visitor to Atlanta has a great experience.”

An emphasis on delegate engagement drove show attendance. IPPE, with support from Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), hosted multiple events including “Meat Me in Atlanta,” a chili cook-off on the show floor featuring chili from more than 20 Atlanta restaurants. Attendees were able to vote for their favorite chef, with prizes awarded to top restaurants. Also on the show floor was a hamburger flipping contest in which attendees teamed up in friendly competition to flip and dress burgers.

Celebrating 100 years of hospitality, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit organization created to favorably impact the Atlanta economy through conventions and tourism.